Feel the holiday buzz in South Boston! Discover all the festive events and activities with our guide. Locals and travelers alike, explore the holiday magic of South Boston with our comprehensive guide.
Popular events include the Boston Pops Holiday Pops, a musical celebration featuring beloved holiday classics that brings the community together in joy. With dazzling choreography and vibrant performances, the Urban Nutcracker offers a unique twist on the traditional tale, immersing audiences in a dynamic display of diverse artistry. And the beloved How the Grinch Stole Christmas is something you definitely don't want to miss, presenting a whimsical adaptation of the classic story. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around South Boston
- Boston Pops Holiday Pops (Boston)
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Boston)
- Urban Nutcracker (Boston)
- Cirque Dreams: Holidaze (Boston)
- Noises Off (Boston)
- Boston Common Tree Lighting (Boston)
- Snowport: Boston Seaport's Holiday Wonderland (Boston)
- Enchanted Trolley Tour & Tree Lightings (Boston)
- Zoolights at Stone Zoo (Stoneham)
- Winter Wonderland at Southwick Zoo (Mendon)
See these and even more events listed below!
South Boston Holiday Light Displays
Boston Common Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Symbolic lighting of the official Christmas tree as a thank you from Nova Scotia for Boston's relief efforts.
Description:
The Boston Common Tree Lighting Ceremony is a significant holiday event where the city's official Christmas tree is lit, accompanied by holiday music, speeches from local leaders, and appearances by Santa Claus and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. The event also includes a sampling village with photo opportunities, giveaways, and refreshments.
Where: Boston | More Info: Boston Common Tree Lighting
Enchanted Trolley Tour & Tree Lightings
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday tree lightings across Boston neighborhoods.
Description:
The Enchanted Trolley Tour & Tree Lightings is a beloved holiday tradition in Boston where festive trolleys visit various neighborhoods to light holiday trees, accompanied by visits with Santa and other holiday performances.
Where: Boston | More Info: Enchanted Trolley Tour & Tree Lightings
Zoolights at Stone Zoo
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
Description:
At Stone Zoo's Zoolights, visitors stroll through 26 acres of beautifully lit paths, featuring thousands of twinkling lights and festive decorations. The event includes large-scale lantern displays and the opportunity to see animals like black bears, Canada lynx, and reindeer in their habitats.
Where: Stoneham | More Info: Zoolights at Stone Zoo
Winter Wonderland at Southwick Zoo
What to Expect:
Holiday light and animal exhibit combination.
Description:
Southwick's Zoo transforms into a dazzling spectacle with over 4 million illuminated lights and larger-than-life displays, featuring enchanting polar bear and singing penguin exhibits.
Where: Mendon | More Info: Winter Wonderland at Southwick Zoo
Winter Lights at Naumkeag
What to Expect:
Artfully designed holiday light displays.
Description:
Naumkeag transforms into a dazzling spectacle with thousands of artfully designed holiday lights, creating a breathtaking display of seasonal beauty.
Where: Stockbridge | More Info: Winter Lights at Naumkeag
South Boston Holiday Markets and Shopping
Snowport: Boston Seaport's Holiday Wonderland
What to Expect:
European-style holiday market with local artisans and festive menu.
Description:
Boston Seaport transforms into Snowport during the holiday season, featuring a European-style holiday market with over 60 local businesses selling unique gifts and wares. The market includes a festive menu from Tuscan Kitchen and Breezy Hill Orchard, along with enchanting holiday decor. Curling is also available on Seaport Common, offering free lessons and playtime for all.
Where: Boston | More Info: Snowport: Boston Seaport's Holiday Wonderland
Harvard Square Christmas Concert
What to Expect:
Unique gifts from local and international artisans.
Description:
The Harvard Square Holiday Fair is a juried marketplace featuring a diverse mix of New England craftspeople and world-traveling importers. Shoppers can find unique, original, and affordable gifts while connecting with the artisans who create them. The fair is a high-energy alternative marketplace with a great soundtrack, offering a taste of the old Harvard Square.
Where: Cambridge | More Info: Harvard Square Christmas Concert
Christmas Festival at Seaport World Trade Center
What to Expect:
Over 350 artisans selling handmade, unique gifts and specialty foods.
Description:
The New England Christmas Festival is an annual event that has kicked off the holiday season for 38 years. It features over 350 American Artisans showcasing handcrafted items, including seasonal decor, distinctive home accessories, fashion, fine jewelry, specialty foods, and more. The festival offers a one-stop holiday shopping solution with aisles chock full of unique gifts and treats.
Where: Boston | More Info: Christmas Festival at Seaport World Trade Center
South Boston Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Boston Pops Holiday Pops
What to Expect:
Special guest choirs and new musical arrangements.
Description:
The Boston Pops Holiday Pops concert features Keith Lockhart leading the orchestra in festive and family-friendly performances, including classic carols, a sing-along, and a visit from Santa Claus. The program includes traditional pieces like "Jingle Bells," "The Twelve Days of Christmas," and "Sleigh Ride," as well as new arrangements and special guest choirs.
Where: Boston | More Info: Boston Pops Holiday Pops
Urban Nutcracker
What to Expect:
Fusion of classical ballet with urban dance forms.
Description:
Anthony Williams' Urban Nutcracker is a modern Boston-centric holiday classic that blends classical ballet with diverse dance forms like tap, hip hop, flamenco, and jazz. Set in present-day downtown Boston, it combines the rhythms of Duke Ellington with the classical music of Tchaikovsky.
Where: Boston | More Info: Urban Nutcracker
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
What to Expect:
Narration by Max the Dog
Description:
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical brings the beloved holiday tale to life on stage, featuring hit songs like "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch" and "Welcome Christmas." Max the Dog narrates as the Grinch, whose heart is two sizes too small, decides to steal Christmas from the holiday-loving Whos. This heart-warming classic is a delightful show for both kids and adults.
Where: Boston | More Info: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Cirque Dreams: Holidaze
What to Expect:
World-class aerial circus acts and acrobatics.
Description:
Cirque Dreams: Holidaze is a spectacular holiday show featuring a world-renowned cast of performers in a dazzling array of aerial circus acts, sleight-of-hand jugglers, and breath-catching acrobatics. The show combines original music with seasonal favorites, bringing holiday storybook characters to life on stage amidst elaborate sets and scenery.
Where: Boston | More Info: Cirque Dreams: Holidaze
Noises Off
What to Expect:
Dizzying circus of missed entrances and exits.
Description:
Noises Off is a side-splitting comedy filled with slamming doors, wardrobe malfunctions, and flying sardines. The play follows an exasperated director managing a company of eccentric actors, leading to a chaotic opening night with missed entrances, mixed lines, and seething rage.
Where: Boston | More Info: Noises Off
Hanukkah Festival of Lights at Museum of Fine Arts
What to Expect:
Interactive exhibits and performances celebrating Jewish culture.
Description:
Join the Hanukkah Festival of Lights at the Museum of Fine Arts for an evening of art, music, and activities celebrating Jewish culture and traditions. Explore a photography installation on Sephardic traditions, enjoy musical performances, and immerse yourself in the diversity of Jewish heritage through exhibits and interactive experiences.
Where: Boston | More Info: Hanukkah Festival of Lights at Museum of Fine Arts
Tuba Christmas at Downtown Crossing
What to Expect:
Large-scale tuba and euphonium performance by regional players.
Description:
Over 100 regional brass instrument players gather at Downtown Crossing to perform classic holiday tunes, honoring Harvey G. Phillips and William J. Bell.
Where: Boston | More Info: Tuba Christmas at Downtown Crossing
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical
What to Expect:
Celebrates individuality and self-acceptance through a timeless story.
Description:
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical brings beloved characters from the classic TV special to life on stage. This heartwarming adventure teaches that what makes you different can be what makes you special. Featuring Santa, Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius, and Rudolph, the show is an uplifting holiday tradition.
Where: Boston | More Info: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical
South Boston Other Holiday Activities
Jordan's Enchanted Village
What to Expect:
Historic holiday display with animated mechanical figures.
Description:
Jordan's Enchanted Village is a holiday tradition featuring 59 mechanical figures and 18 vignettes, offering a nostalgic and heartwarming display of holiday scenes.
Where: Avon | More Info: Jordan's Enchanted Village
Hanukkah Celebration at Vilna Shul
What to Expect:
Traditional Hanukkah festivities with community involvement.
Description:
Celebrate Hanukkah at Vilna Shul with traditional foods, games, and community activities, honoring the rich Jewish heritage.
Where: Boston | More Info: Hanukkah Celebration at Vilna Shul
Menorah Lighting at One Seaport
What to Expect:
Family-friendly Hanukkah celebration with live music and treats.
Description:
Join Chabad of Downtown Boston at One Seaport in Boston Seaport for the lighting of a tall 9-foot Menorah, celebrating Hanukkah with live music, treats, and family-friendly activities.
Where: Boston | More Info: Menorah Lighting at One Seaport
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Boston (2 miles)
- Brookline (4 miles)
- Jamaica Plain (4 miles)
- Cambridge (4 miles)
- Chelsea (4 miles)
- Somerville (5 miles)
- Everett (5 miles)
- Revere (6 miles)
- Milton (6 miles)
- Quincy (6 miles)
- Malden (6 miles)
- Medford (7 miles)
- Watertown (7 miles)
- Arlington (8 miles)
- Belmont (8 miles)
- Newton (8 miles)
- Melrose (9 miles)
- Dedham (9 miles)
- Braintree (9 miles)
- Saugus (9 miles)
- Winchester (9 miles)
- Weymouth (10 miles)
- Waltham (10 miles)
- Needham (10 miles)
- Stoneham (10 miles)
- Woburn (11 miles)
- Randolph (12 miles)
- Lexington (12 miles)
- Wakefield (12 miles)
- Norwood (12 miles)
- Wellesley (13 miles)
- Canton (13 miles)
- South Peabody (13 miles)
- Reading (13 miles)
- Burlington (14 miles)
- Stoughton (15 miles)
- Peabody (15 miles)
- Salem (15 miles)
- Natick (16 miles)
- Wilmington (16 miles)
- Brockton (17 miles)
- Danvers (18 miles)
- Beverly (18 miles)
- Beverly Cove (18 miles)
- Framingham (19 miles)
- Billerica (19 miles)
- Framingham Center (20 miles)
- Tewksbury (21 miles)
- Easton (22 miles)
- Acton (22 miles)
- Mansfield (22 miles)
- Chelmsford (25 miles)
- Franklin (25 miles)
- Lowell (25 miles)
- North Andover (26 miles)
- Marlborough (26 miles)
- Westford (26 miles)
- Dracut (27 miles)
- Milford (27 miles)
- Gloucester (28 miles)
- Methuen (28 miles)
- Attleboro (29 miles)
- Taunton (30 miles)
- Haverhill (31 miles)
- Middleborough (31 miles)
- Cumberland (32 miles)
- Salem (32 miles)
- Woonsocket (33 miles)
- Shrewsbury (34 miles)
- Lincoln (35 miles)
- Pawtucket (36 miles)
- Nashua (37 miles)
- Smithfield (38 miles)
- Leominster (39 miles)
- Worcester (39 miles)
- East Providence (39 miles)
- North Providence (40 miles)
- Providence (40 miles)
- Derry (40 miles)
- Derry Village (41 miles)
- Fitchburg (42 miles)
- Johnston (42 miles)
- Cranston (43 miles)
- Merrimack (43 miles)
- Fall River (44 miles)